Marine Surveys | Marine Blog | European Marine Services

Sealine 390 | Pre Purchase Survey & River Trials | # 01349December 4, 2017

This Sealine 390 Statesman c 1992 was surveyed for the purpose of pre-purchase and a river trial was also requested. Sealine produce a large range of sports cruisers for the inshore and offshore market. This 390 Statesman has a pair of Volvo Penta TAMD71B 380hp inboard diesel engines on conventional drives. She has both an internal and external helm position. However, the somewhat more important gauges are only visible from the lower helm position.

The River Trials

Out on the water she handled very well, both engines pulling strong all the way up to around 2700 rpm, giving her a top speed of approximately 30 mph. Noise from the engines is kept to a minimum with a good layer of sound proofing within the engine space and minimal exhaust note from the transom. At low speed she also handled well, turning on a sixpence in those tight spots. This vessel also benefits from having both bow and stern thrusters.

EMS record / action the following speed / engine trials when requested

Max rpm / speed trials run in both directions / against wind & tide
Satisfactory operation of forward and reverse gears
Emergency stop – passing from full ahead through neutral to full reverse
Steering response / handling – Figure of eight steering performance
General steering, control and gear operation

All engine gauge readings recorded at determined RPM and photographed

Max Speed obtained 30 MPH With tide

29 MPH Against tide

Exhaust Smoke:

There was limited white smoke at start up from cold and on the first wide open throttle pass made, both dissipated quickly.

For more information on diesel engine exhaust smoke generation – Refer to:

https://www.europeanmarinesurveys.com/marine-surveys/engine-oil-sample-analysis/

Comments:

The vessel performed reasonably well through all operations.
The throttle levers require synchronisation
Large variation in recorded engine hours
The max rpm achieved being 2600 on the port and 2700 starboard

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is reasonably well presented. The upholstery is starting to show signs of wear, although, with some minor updating, she would be a well presented example.

There is an open plan saloon with large seating area on the starboard side. This goes up to the lower helm seating position. The large galley is found forward of the saloon on the port side. There are two main cabins, firstly the master which is towards the rear of the vessel and the second up in the bow. Both benefit from having their own ensuite WC and Shower rooms. The Flybridge is a very large area which can also be used as an area for entertaining as well as somewhere to take in the scenery whilst cruising at a comfortable 22+mph

The decks are reasonably wide for a vessel of this size which does not appear to affect the accommodation size inside. Stanchions and hand rails give you that sense of security as you pass round the boat whilst she is under way.

All told, this was a very well presented vessel which had been well maintained.

On this Sealine 390 Statesman the following items required attention:

Fuel System: Improved access
Bilge Pumps: Confirm manual function
Bow & Stern Thruster: Label battery master switches
Steering and Rudders: Replace damaged hydraulic hose
Seacock Valves: Service loose seacock valve in aft cabin
LPG System: Carry out LPG Soundness Test
Fire Safety: Service all Fire Extinguishers

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Sheerline 950 | A very nice inland waterway vessel # 01346November 21, 2017

Awaiting pre-purchase survey

SHEERLINE 950 Centre Cockpit Built By: Wroxham Marine, Norwich in c 2000 and despite being some 17 years old is still very well presented being fitted with a single Nanni diesel engine on conventional drive propulsion

We were made very welcome and carried out the Pre Purchase Survey at the Ouse Valley River Club (OVRC) St Neots, being a very nice and well positioned marina and boat club with a private slipway

From the OVRC website:

Welcome to Ouse Valley River Club – We are a private members motor boat club founded in 1950’s based on the River Great Ouse in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. Founded over 60 years ago, the OVRC has gone from strength to strength and today our members enjoy fantastic boating facilities that rival the best proprietary marinas. This includes a large Clubhouse with a bar, showers and toilets and an excellent slipway, all set in a secure and beautifully maintained four and a half acre marina.

The Sheerline 950 centre cockpit styling is very popular on the inland waterways with easy stern access from the aft well, reasonable decks and very comfortable accommodation. Many of these boats have been built for the hire boat industry and have proven to be a very popular over the past 25 years. This example has remained in private hands since it was built and benefits from having both a bow & stern thruster as well as a second steering position on the stern.

This aft steering position is unusual and we believe the only Sheerline with such an option

Aft Steering Position

This Sheerline is well built and despite her age and being currently moored in fresh water, exhibited no signs of osmosis – which to say the least is unusual

Sheerline 950 Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. Entering the vessel from the stern you step into a well laid out galley / living area which makes into a double berth. You then step up into the wheelhouse / saloon area which has a full sliding roof allowing you access onto the decks. Moving further forward you then have a reasonable sized WC and forward cabin and a further 2 berth accommodation to the bow. The whole accommodation area is both light and airy with good visibility of the world going by on the outside.

The decks are reasonably wide for a vessel of this size which does not appear to affect the accommodation size inside.

This was a very well presented vessel which over the past 17 years had been well maintained.

On this Sheerline 950 Centre Cockpit the following items required attention:

Propulsion System: Worn Cutlass Bearing.
Fire & Safety: Service Fire Extinguishers.
LPG System: Carry out a LPG Soundness Test.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Broom 35 Captain | A 1960s Wood Classic in Need of TLC | # 01335October 18, 2017

Broom 35 ‘Captain’

European Marine Services recently undertook a Pre Purchase Survey on this Broom 35 Captain at Simpson’s Boatyard Stalham

The purchaser is very keen on owning a classic wood boat and this Broom Captain fits his purpose nicely

This classic 1960s Broom Captain has spent the last few years in a covered wet-shed and has therefore been largely protected from the elements. However like all wood boats if left with out on-going maintenance deterioration sets-in and restoration starts to become expensive.

Examination of the bottom produced several areas where there is wet-rot, consequently boards need to replaced as a matter of some urgency before this spreads further. We would conservatively estimate that some 25ft – 35ft of planking requiring replacement that may well increase when areas exposed. The hull topsides moisture readings being measured using a Tramex Plus Moisture Meter, being considered quite reasonable – giving relatively ‘acceptable’ commensurate with age – moisture meter levels of less than < 25%

Internally / cosmetically this Broom Captain is in need of a lot of varnish attention and cosmetic work, there being mildew growth on many surfaces – but this again takes time and money

Wet rot in bottom planking

Other areas that required attention:

Seacocks / Skin fittings The galley and sink drains being lead down pipes are still installed
Steering Bench Corroded quadrant
Bilge spaces Fouled with oil and water and ‘mud’ present

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

6.8m Wood Fishing Boat | Marine Survey for Insurance Purposes # 01312October 13, 2017

6.8m Wood Crab Boat c 1972

A very pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon at Well-next-Sea

EMS recently carried out a marine survey for insurance purposes on a very nice inshore wood fishing boat c 1972 that is currently used for (commercial) crab and lobster fishing and has recently undergone some refurbishment (WIP) with a new Yanmar diesel engine and other equipment /engineering services

This small craft being quite typical of local fishing boats – open cockpit with a very small cuddy forward and a centrally located diesel engine

We found several areas that required attention to include such as the newly installed Fuel System – isolation valves / filters etc / the piping and isolation valves being unsupported and consequently leaking, and equally do not conform to good engineering installation practices or recommendations

Fuel system layout not recommended

Other significant areas that required attention included ……

Battery Security – Batteries being unsecured and free to move – not recommended in an open sea and rough conditions as the vessel is likely to loose all electrical services
Steering System – Being wire & pulley where the wires were not attached / secured professionally to the transom mounted rudder tiller and consequently the wires could chafe and fracture – and loosing steering at sea could be embarrassing – No emergency steering facility fitted
Raw Water Seacocks – All piping needs to be secured with twin J clips and though a single J clip may well be sufficient, insurance requirements are for two
Exhaust Hose – Non exhaust hose (not coded) being fitted, though this is possibly OK – existing hose is an ‘off the shelf’ heat resistance hose

Wells harbour at low tide

In summary this is a very nice and reasonably well maintained 6.8m crab and lobster boat, but recent upgrades have been undertaken without professional input

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Seaward 29 | A Small Ship with a Big Heart | # 01334October 10, 2017

European Marine Services recently undertook a Pre Purchase Survey at Norfolk Yacht Agency’s / Freshwater site on a very nice Seaward 29 – Nelson based 4 berth cruiser with twin diesel engines and every conceivable navigation aid, the vessel having CE Category B rating – Offshore

‘B’ OFFSHORE: Designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to, and including, wind force 8 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 4 m may be experienced.

The first thing to say that this small craft is very much an offshore / deep water vessel with the capability to almost go anywhere at any time.

The downside in our opinion of this particular vessel is that a great deal of structure, furniture and equipment has been ‘squeezed’ into a very small space ie a hull length of 29ft. Consequently your living and social area is very very limited and access to equipment behind furniture, linings is almost impossible plus engine access is difficult without removing furniture etc. However a comfortable twin V berth is positioned forward with a shower / toilet combination alongside.

All Seaward 29’s are fitted with a number of outstanding safety features:-
•   Twin diesel engines
•   Each engine fully independent with it’s own stainless steel fuel tank, fuel filter and start battery
•   Conventional shaft drive with twin rudders
•   Emergency fuel link valve to divert both fuel tanks to supply either engine in case one engine should break down.
•   Twin batteries with facility to start either engine on either one or both batteries together or both engine off one battery.
•   Emergency steering
•   Automatic bilge pump with bilge alarm warning light
•   Contra rotating propellers with 3/4 length deep keel ensure the best possible course holding and manoeuvrability
•   Boat will rotate within it’s own length in either direction with one engine ahead and the other astern.

On this Seaward 29 we found the following needed attention

Access to fuel tanks. Hydraulic steering system servicing. Very limited access to bilge spaces

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Broom 29HT | Pre Purchase Survey | # 01322October 1, 2017

Broom 29 HT In slings awaiting Pre Purchase Survey

European Marine Services recently carried out a Pre Purchase Inspection on this Boom 29HT c 1993 at Barnes Boatyard Wroxham being fitted with a single Nanni 50hp diesel engine on conventional drive propulsion

Her sedan styling is very popular on the inland waterways with easy stern access from the bathing platform, good deck space and very comfortable accommodation. Brooms have built several of these for their own hire fleet over the years and several made their way over to Ireland to be hired out on the River Shannon and other waterways

This boat was well built and despite her age and being currently moored in fresh water exhibited no signs of osmosis

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. With an enclosed wheelhouse with two fixed helm seats then leading down to a open plan saloon to starboard with free standing table and galley to port – Plus a good sized WC / shower room and 2 berth accommodation to the bow.

The decks are reasonably wide for a vessel of this size which does not appear to affect the accommodation size inside. Raised inner deck pulpit rail give you that sense of security as you pass round the boat whilst she is under way.

This was a very well presented vessel which had been reasonably well maintained.

On this Broom 29HT the following items required attention:

Windows, Seacock Valves / Skin Fittings, Fuel System, Batteries Bilge & Pumping System, Fire Extinguishers, LPG System

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Boat Safety Scheme – Hire Boats as from April 2017September 28, 2017

Over that past few years the Boat Safety Scheme Office in conjunction with the Hire Trade, BSS Examiners, Navigation Authorities and Hirer Representatives have been reviewing the existing Examination Checking Procedures (ECP’s) relating to UK Hire Boats. This year saw the implementation of the New 2017 (ECP’s) which took effect on the 1^st April.

A revised set of requirements and modernised checking procedures are now applied to hire craft. Hire craft in this case are any powered boats such as weekly and day hire vessels:

Let or hired under an arrangement, whether or not on a pre-contract basis;
The subject of a bare boat charter arrangement;
The subject of any form of third-party managed shared-use arrangement (including timeshare or shared ownership).

The term ‘hire boat’ does not include:

Privately owned or managed boats;
Boats operating commercially with a skipper or crew, and which carry passengers;
Shared-ownership boats managed jointly by the private owners;
Workboats;
Emergency service boats and rescue boats.
Hotel boats,
Boats let as residences or longer term accommodation

From 1 April 2017:

1A) The BSS Examination Checking Procedures for Privately Owned and Managed Vessels will apply to all hire boats.

All relevant private boat BSS checks are mandatory compliance for hire boats, whereas for privately-owned and managed boats the set of checks is a mix of requirements and advice checks.

For the avoidance of doubt, these are the checks for Hire Boats that are required compliance and that also appear in the private boat examination procedures as advice checks.

Check Item Reference	Check Question
X3.7.1R	Is the electrical system insulated from the hull?
X3.8.1R	Are all A.C. shore-power and battery charging lead inlet connections of the correct type in good condition, and suitably protected from the weather?
X3.8.2R	Are all shore-power, battery charging, and other A.C. power source lead connections of a suitable type?
X3.8.3R	Are all shore-power, battery charging, and other A.C. power source leads and connectors in good condition?
X3.9.1R	Is it impossible to connect simultaneously more than one power source to the alternating current distribution system?
X3.9.2R	Do all A.C. electrical circuits pass through a consumer unit?
X6.3.1R	Is the vessel provided with adequate means of escape?
X8.10.1R	Are all appliances requiring a flue, or exhaust fitted with one?
X8.10.1R	Are all appliances requiring a flue, or exhaust fitted with one?
X8.10.2R	Are all appliance flues and exhausts complete and in good condition?
X8.10.3R	Do all appliance flues and exhausts terminate directly to outside air?
X8.10.4R	Are all open flues to LPG appliances operating effectively?
X8.10.5R	Are all solid fuel appliances free of unintended gaps?
X8.9.1R	Is the vessel provided with adequate fixed ventilation?
X8.9.2R	Are warning notices displayed on sea-going boats with closable ventilators?

To view and download the public edition the BSS Examination Checking Procedures for Privately Owned and Managed Vessels BSS (version 3.0 April 2015) click here.

1 B) New and revised BSS checks also apply to hire boats in addition to the private boat ones mentioned above. These additional BSS Requirements for hire boats are made up of seven new checks and nine original requirements from Part 10 of the 2002 BSS Standards.

To view and download the list of additional BSS Requirements for hire boats click here.

Technical support for any hire boat operator seeking information to help move their fleet to full compliance is available by using the ‘contact-us‘ page on this site where questions, photos, diagrams and supporting documents can be uploaded to the BSS website or call 0333 202 1000.

Background information from the hirer safety review and resulting consultation leading to the new BSS Hire Boat Requirements for April 2017

The original September 2015 consultation paper (now closed) and details of the revisions – click here

A short summary of the changes proposed arising out of the consultation (Sept 2015) can be read here. (Feb 2016)

A summary of the impact for hire operators as a result of the adoption of the private boat checks for hire boats, click here as published for the 2015 consultation

A hard copy of the 2015 consultation document is available upon request.

All comments and the BSS responses in detail can be viewed here (Feb 2016).

The news release (Feb 16) announcing decision to implement the revised BSS hire boat requirements from April 2017 can be viewed here

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants

EMS also undertake BSS Inspections & Engine Oil Analysis Reports
Tel: 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

More Info

Norman 18 | Accidental Sinking ‘Out of Sight Out of Mind’ | # 01282September 14, 2017

European Marine Services Ltd inc. European Marine Surveys carry out insurance Damage Assessments and Loss Adjusting etc for most of the major Marine Insurance Companies – plus Marine Surveys for Insurance Purposes

Norman 18 – Accidental Sinking

REMEMBER to check and service those fittings below the floors which are not obvious being ………….

‘Out of Sight – Out of Mind’

This was a very unfortunate accident and was consequent of a ‘loose’ skin fitting’ in the bottom of the boat – feeding cooling water to the engine

In summary the raw water seacock involved fed the engine cooling and was therefore subject to some vibration. It would appear that over time the vibration resulted in the securing nuts etc working loose thus allowing limited ingress of water

Regretfully there was no 12v Auto bilge pump – Which is an Insurance Requirement

The Norman 18 was left overnight moored in some reeds due to engine failure and upon the return of the owner the next day he found the above – see photo

This boat was the owner’s treasured possession and though the vessel was old, the owner nevertheless got a lot of pleasure just river cruising and watching the world pass by………..

History – Norman Cruisers of Shaw, Lancashire were a prolific designer of inland cruisers, building a total of 7000 craft. The company founded in the late 1950s went into GRP production in the mid 1960s, starting with the Norman 17.

The business ceased trading in December 1979 (The Winter of Discontent) and started again in 1980. New models were introduced 24, 27 and 22 wide beam but the moulding shop was destroyed in a fire in 1982. This destroyed most of the moulds and the business never recovered. Some moulds were re-built and when the business finally ceased, these were sold and marketed under other names. Also some designs were copied and made into hybrids.

In the 1970s around 65% of boats were exported. Principle markets (in order of Volume) were Holland, Germany, Norway, France, Sweden. Boats in Holland were imported by Internaut of Rotterdam and were sold under the name of “Inter”. Hence the 20 was the Inter620.

Norman Cruisers were in the top 3 largest pleasureboat builders in the UK. Westerley Yachts being the biggest.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants

EMS also undertake BSS Inspections & Engine Oil Analysis Reports
Tel: 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

More Info

Rosebank 34 | Twin Diesel Motor Cruiser | # 01299September 13, 2017

Rosebank 34 Built Co Leitrim, Ireland

In slings ready for Pre Purchase Survey

We recently carried out a Pre Purchase Inspection on a Rosebank 34 c 1999 fitted with twin Volvo Penta diesel engines – being a model of motorboat that we do not come across very often and built by Rosebank Marine in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, Ireland

Her styling is very much the same of many boats today (ie Broom Boats, Haines etc) with a nice aft stateroom, upper steering position and outside seating

This boat was extremely well built and despite her age and being currently moored in fresh water exhibited no signs of osmosis

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. An open plan forward saloon with circular table & galley alongside. Plus a main saloon wit L shaped settee which makes into a double bed – Plus a good sized WC / shower room and 2 berth accommodation to the bow.

The decks are reasonably wide for a vessel of this size which does not appear to affect the accommodation size inside. Stanchions and hand rails give you that sense of security as you pass round the boat whilst she is under way.

All told, this was a very well presented vessel which had been well maintained.

Moored awaiting Pre Purchase Inspection

On this Rosebank 34 the following items required attention:

Fuel System Fire Safety
Stern Packing Glands

We found there to be moisture staining to tops of furniture and to some hard linings

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
Tel: 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

More Info

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925 | Pre Purchase Survey & River Trials | # 01158

Length overall: 32ft 1in (9.78m)
Beam overall: 10ft 4in (3.16m)
Draft: 2ft 9in (0.85m)
Weight: 4.96 tons (4500kg)

The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925, built in c 2008 underwent a pre purpose survey and river trial. Jeanneau (Europe’s largest builder) produce an extensive range of sports cruisers for the inshore and offshore market. This Merry Fisher 925 has a pair of Yanmar 260hp inboard diesel engines on conventional drives. She benefits from having two helm positions, both of which have good visibility around the boat as you manoeuvre.

The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925 is an express cruiser that owners typically ordered in the optional flybridge version. The boat doubles as a cruiser for family and friends or a practical sportsfisher. It offers the most spacious and roomy interior of any boat in its class. The large cockpit has teak flooring, an aft bench seat and a transom door to a bathing or fishing platform. There is ample accommodation with five berths in two cabins plus a saloon. The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925 offers a versatile, reliable choice in the second-hand market.

River Trial

Out on the water she handled very well, both engines pulling strong all the way up to around 3600 rpm, giving her a top speed of approximately 22 mph. Noise from the engines is kept to a minimum with a good layer of sound proofing within the engine space and minimal exhaust note from the transom. At low speed she also handled well, turning on a sixpence in those tight spots. This vessel also benefits from having a bow thruster.

A beautiful, speedy and reassuringly stable recreational boat, combining a spacious and comfortable interior with considerable self-sufficiency over long distances.
Awarded the ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in Motor Boats Monthly after its initial launch. Low fuel consumption, good seaworthiness and good protection inside.
Smooth and quiet. Engine noise is pretty nice, like a good car
Very good visibility and comfort for long trips.

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. An open plan saloon / galley meets you when you first enter the vessel, moving forward there is a reasonable sized WC / shower room and 2 berth accommodation to the bow. The decks are reasonably wide for a vessel of this size which does not appear to affect the accommodation size inside. Stanchions and hand rails give you that sense of security as you pass round the boat whilst she is under way. All told, this was a very well presented vessel which had been well maintained.

On this Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925 the following items required attention: